Neck Pain and Headaches Physiotherapist In Eatons Hill

Neck pain is an extremely common condition which a significant proportion of the population sufferers on a daily basis. Neck pain is often associated with headaches and jaw pain.

Headaches

A common cause of headaches is pain referral from the joints and muscles of the upper neck. This type of headache is called cervicogenic headache and is characterized by pain into the forehead, temples and base of the skull, often extending up into the head. Pain can also be referred along the jaw and into the ear.

Neck pain falls into 2 broad categories:- posturally-related neck pain and neck pain resulting from trauma. This latter category includes injuries such as whiplash, pain resulting from an object falling on the neck or shoulder etc. Cervicogenic headaches can occur with both types of neck pain.

Postural Neck Pain

Most of us do not realize that the joints in the neck are only about the size of your pinky fingernail. This is tiny in comparison to the size and weight of your head. When you sit with good posture the head is balanced well over the neck enabling good pain-free support for its weight.

When we slump forward the neck joints are no longer in a good position to support the weight of the head. The long-term consequence of this is often neck pain and headaches.

Many workers, students and retirees spend large periods of time sitting: –

At the computer or laptop

At the desk or table writing, sewing and reading

In bed reading

After a small period of time (usually about 30 mins) posture tends to deteriorate and undue forces are placed through the neck. Smartphones and tablets, though compact and portable, tend to encourage very poor posture.

For Good Spinal Health we need to Move

Take regular breaks from the computer or desk.

Monitor your posture regularly and correct when necessary.

An alarm on your computer or phone can help remind you.

Perform gentle neck stretches and stability exercises throughout the day.

See our blog for more information on correct workplace set-up.

Trauma

During a whiplash injury the head is quickly flicked forward and then quickly back, or vice versa. Large sheer forces are applied through the neck and upper back resulting in:-

Joint sprains, ligament strains and micro-tears in the muscles.

Headaches and nausea are common.

Other disturbances such as altered hot/cold sensation, vestibular disturbance and hypersensitivity can occur.

Recovery time is usually longer compared with pain of non-traumatic origin.

Mobilizations to restore motion in the jaw (TMJ) joint and upper neck joints.

Release of trigger points and tight facial muscles.

Stability exercise programmes.

Referral for a splint or surgery may be necessary in more severe cases.

Contact us

For further information on our headache and neck pain treatment or to make an appointment to see our neck pain physiotherapist, please call Keperra Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic on +61 7 3855 1367.

How to find us

We are conveniently located close to train and bus stops, with ample on-site parking and ground level access.

Because we understand you may need to attend outside of work hours, we are open evenings Monday to Friday.

We Proudly Support

We sponsor and proudly support West Arana Hills Rugby League Football Club, Ferny Grove Falcons Junior AFL Club, Arana United Futsal Club and Ferny Grove Bowls, Sports and Community Club.